In the UK, there is a 60,000-driver shortage for HGVs. Due to the increased demand for Class 1 drivers to close that gap, there are more employment opportunities in the industry. Understanding what a Class 1 driver is and how to start your HGV training courses is crucial if you want to work in the transportation and logistics industry as an HGV 1 driver. We will cover everything in this blog.
What do drivers in Class 1 do?
HGV drivers can operate trucks in categories C and E of the UK driving licence, including delivery vehicles if they possess a Class 1 licence or have HGV Driving training. It indicates that you are permitted to operate any HGV with a detachable trailer that weighs more than 7.5 tonnes. A Class 2 licence, in contrast, only authorises you to drive a category C car.
It covers “stiff” vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes but under 32 tonnes, like trucks and trailers. Although many class 1 HGV Courses organisations provide the option of taking your Class 1 test after a programme, many HGV drivers opt to obtain their Class 2 licence instead. After that, they advance until they get granted a Class 1 licence.
How does a Class 1 HGV driver operate?
Due to the heavier vehicle load, a Class 1 driver has more accountability than a Class 2 driver. Class 1 drivers are not required to have prior experience. But they must do numerous tasks daily. Several obligations and duties are as follows:
- operating commercial vehicles weighing 7.5 tonnes or more, such as tankers, tankers, rigid trucks, articulated lorries, trailer waggons, and transporters
- driving both short and long journeys
- finishing the delivery documentation after traffic reports
- changing course
- organising delivery routes and schedules while away from home, assisting transport managers with loading and unloading cargo
- performing fundamental vehicle maintenance
- maintaining accurate logbooks, travelling a great distance, assuring the security of the cargo, and lifting and moving big objects
What qualifications do you require for a Class 1 driver?
To operate an HGV Class 1 vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old. You must first obtain a Class 2 licence and a regular driver’s licence. It is referred to as a Class B licence. After that, you must get a D2 form from the DVLA. It is a free application form. It must be submitted to obtain a provisional entitlement for any vehicle.
Additionally, you will require a D4 form. Before you can become an HGV driver, you must submit this document, which is your medical. It is typically scheduled by your doctor and costs between £50 and $120. Even after you qualify, you must get a medical every five years. If all moves are according to schedule, you should accept your temporary HGV licence in 3 weeks after finishing both of these forms and presenting them to the DVLA.
What mindset should you have during the HGV class 1 training?
Be assured!
In exam settings, a good mental attitude can explain a lot. You’ll be much more likely to succeed if you think positively rather than “I’m going to fail.” Be sure of what you’ve learned, and you’ll have a better chance of receiving your desired LGV licence if you know you gave the test your all.
Pressure
Do not overburden yourself with responsibility. Yes, it is crucial. You do intend to pass. But even if you don’t, the sun will rise the following day! The world does not end because of a retest. Bring your knowledge from this test and the examiner’s comments about what you can do to do it correctly the next time you return.
Mistakes
When taking the truck test, if you make a mistake, let it go right immediately. Many times, what you believe you might have failed at is a success! Maintain your excellent standard of driving. If you keep dwelling on the mistakes you think you’ve made while driving you’re much more likely to make new ones.
